Magical Moon Phases

Following the moon phases is one of the most beautiful and simple ways to enhance your personal spiritual practice.

Each of the moon phases presents us with an opportunity to either manifest, reflect, take action, or rest. Living in tune with the Moon is completely natural–there’s a good chance you’re already doing it subconsciously!

There are eight moon phases in total, four of which are considered “major” phases. Luna’s cycles are continuous with no exact beginning or ending.

For the sake of our analytical brains, modern mystics tend to mark the New Moon as the “start” of the lunar cycle. As you’ll learn, this is the time of new beginnings. So it makes sense to consider this a starting point.

The four major phases of the moon are the New Moon, the Last Quarter, the First Quarter, and the Full Moon. The four phases in between these major phases are transitions from one phase’s energy to the next.

Related Article – What is Astrology?

Moon Astrology

While Mother Moon is moving through her eight phases, she is also moving through the twelve signs of the zodiac. The zodiac signs add another spiritual meaning to the moon phases. They build upon each other.

In this blog post, we’ll lay the foundation for the spiritual meaning of the moon phases before adding on the zodiac energies.

As we begin to pay attention to the moon phases and take actions that align with the current lunar energy, everything becomes effortless. And more magical! Living in tune with the Moon is likely to:

• Help you achieve goals because of consistent reflection and action taking
• Help you feel less stressed because of frequent rest periods
• Help you feel more connected with your Higher Self and with the Universe
• Help you feel more connected with the Divine Feminine within you (no matter your gender)
• Give you an excuse to admire the Moon each night, even in the winter
• Give you permission to let go, regroup, make progress, and most importantly rest

Moon Phase Meaning

In order to reach our goals and grow spiritually, we need to be deliberate in our actions. And that includes being deliberate about taking breaks!

The beauty of the lunar cycles lies within the monthly reminders to rest, or take action, or reflect. Doing these things consistently will move us forward and help us expand our self awareness.

Moon phases aren’t cut and dry. The planets never stop moving, therefore the moon phases are never stagnant.

The correspondences listed below are generally associated with each specific phase. But you’ll notice that they often bleed into each other.

Don’t limit yourself, and always follow your intuition! If you’re feeling something that doesn’t “belong” to that particular moon phase, just roll with it. There’s so much going on within your personal energy field. And no one knows it better than you do.

🌑 New Moon Phase

At the “start” of the lunar cycle is the New Moon (aka the Dark Moon). No light from the Sun is being reflected off the Moon’s surface. Therefore the moon appears invisible and the night sky is very dark.

Despite the dark skies, New Moon energy is very light, inspiring, optimistic, and even opportunistic.

You’re likely to be feeling motivated and excited about all the possibilities before you! Now is a great time to go within and acknowledge your deepest desires. Then start planning your strategy.

Ask yourself–what can I do to bring myself closer to my desires? What tools and resources are available to me?

During this phase, cleanse yourself, your home, your spiritual tools, and your to-do list. Setting New Moon intentions will help you get clear on your goals for the upcoming cycle.

New Moon Phase Meaning

• Possibilities
• Opportunities
• Fresh Starts
• Intention setting
• Goal making
• Going Within
• Being Resourceful
• Cleansing Energy

🌒 Waxing Crescent Moon Phase

When less than half of the moon is illuminated, it is called a crescent. Crescents are considered minor phases in which the energy is transitioning between two major phases.

During the Waxing Crescent phase, we’re still feeling quite optimistic and inspired (residual New Moon vibes!). Energy is increasing in intensity as the Moon begins to grow bigger in the sky.

We’ll likely feel a surge of creative energy during this phase. We’ve empowered ourselves with our New Moon intentions, and now we’re taking action on those intentions. It’s a great feeling!

Ask yourself–what role do I play in manifesting my desires? What does the Universe require of me to make my dreams come true?

Be sure to continue your co-creating efforts with the Universe. Manifesting energies are still very potent. Send your desires out into the Universe, and trust they will come back to you.

Waxing Crescent Moon Meaning

• Making Plans
• Taking Action
• Co-Creating
• Creativity
• Energy Intensifying
• Empowerment
• Release Attachments to Your Desires

🌓 First Quarter Moon

When half of the lunar surface is illuminated, we’ve entered into another major phase. This marks the halfway point between the New Moon and the Full Moon.

We’re rapidly gaining momentum now. The energy is continuing to increase in intensity. We may even begin to see progress towards our goals and intentions. Keep it up!

The steps we’ve taken so far in the previous phase were more challenging than they are now. Things are getting easier to achieve. Now is a great time to focus on your personal growth and spiritual wellbeing.

Ask yourself (without judgement)–what areas of life would I consider my weaknesses? Think communication, follow-through, forgiveness, nonjudgement, commitment, etc.

This is the busiest part of the moon cycle. Honing in your focus is key during this time. Push past any fear, doubt, or resentment, because those feelings will keep you small. Your effort and hard work will pay off so soon!

First Quarter Moon Meaning

• Hard Work
• Focus
• Committed Action
• Personal Growth
• Spiritual Well Being
• Progress
• Momentum
• Energy Intensifying

🌔 Waxing Gibbous Moon

Things are really starting to take off now! We might feel like we’re coasting just a bit, or we might feel close to burning out. The light is at the end of the tunnel, we’re almost there.

Even if our biggest goals and dreams have not yet arrived, we’ve made significant progress.

These things may not come for a while as the Universe orchestrates things behind the scenes. But we shouldn’t be deterred. Things are officially set in motion.

Trust that your manifestation is coming. Trust that your goals will be achieved and your hard work rewarded. To help the process along, consider what needs to be refined. Reassess your strategy and fill in any gaps.

Ask yourself–what new skills do I need in order to keep up the momentum? What new mindsets are needed that will suit me better now?

The Moon is almost Full! The energy is almost at its peak. This is the crescendo of lunar magic. Use this energy to button things up. Make one final push towards your goals and intentions.

Waxing Gibbous Meaning

• Coasting Towards the Finish Line
• Risk of Burnout
• Refine
• Reassess
• New Skills
• New Mindsets and Beliefs
• Buttoning Things Up
• Pushing Boundaries

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sara Rae 🌻 (@spirit_inspo)

🌕 Full Moon Phase

We did it! We’ve reached the magical, beloved Full Moon! What a glorious phase this is. Celebrate yourself and all you’ve achieved. Express gratitude and take pride.

This is the phase where we let out our breath. There’s a strong sense of completion, often coupled with stress and burnout. We just spent several weeks working super hard! So we’re likely to be quite tired.

Full Moon energy is peak intensity. Most people feel physically heavy during this phase. Maybe even a little irritable and emotional. The gravity of the Full Moon is pulling our inner worlds to the surface.

Ask yourself–what is causing the most resistance in my inner and outer worlds? What do I need to do to let go of that resistance?

Full Moon intentions often involve releasing and letting go of what no longer serves us. After all the work we’ve just done, we’re very much aware of what our biggest hurdles were. Now is the time to let those things go so it will be easier on the next go around.

Full Moon Phase Meaning

• Rest
• Recharge
• Fruits of Your Labor
• Peak Energy Intensity
• Gratitude
• Release
• Completion

🌖 Waning Gibbous Moon Phase

The energy is finally beginning to lessen in intensity. We’re likely to still be feeling the effects of the Full Moon, but it’s receding now. Start to slow down your plans and actions.

Rest is equally as important as taking action. Use your rest time to reflect on your plans and strategies. Use this time to re-energize and reorient yourself so you’ll be ready for the next phase.

No matter how much you accomplished (or didn’t accomplish) in the preceding weeks, accept where you stand now. And be grateful! If your life didn’t change overnight, or you didn’t grow by leaps and bounds, that’s okay. You still did so much and it’s worth acknowledging.

Ask yourself–what have I learned so far during this lunar cycle? What am I going to do differently next time?

Resist the urge to quickly begin something new during this phase. This energy is much better suited for rest and relaxation.

Waning Gibbous Meaning

• Slowing Down
• Relaxation
• Reflection
• Regroup
• Acceptance
• Safety
• Gratitude

🌗 Last Quarter Moon Phase

We’re halfway between the Full Moon and the New Moon. This is also known as the Third Quarter moon. We’ve approached a crossroads, having come so far and yet still have a whole other phase before the cycle is “complete.”

During this phase, we’re still in the mindset of re-evaluating the previous cycle. We’re beginning to come to terms with the fact that changes actually need to happen in order for us to expand.

Now is the time to unburden ourselves of those mental blocks. Letting go of emotional baggage that is only weighing us down. We may feel tired, but instead of stopping, we can focus on moving forward more slowly than before.

Ask yourself–how am I standing in my own way? Where to from here, and how?

If you’re needing to express forgiveness, it will come up for you during the Last Quarter Moon phase. Forgiveness is so important for healing, so please read this blog post if you’re struggling with it.

Last Quarter Moon Meaning

• Forgiveness
• Emotional Healing
• Release Negativity
• Energy Shifts
• Mindset Shifts
• Removing Roadblocks
• Making Slow Progress

🌘 Waning Crescent Moon Phase

As we rest, slow down, and reflect, the roadblocks are making themselves known. It’s very important to recognize these blocks.

Use waning crescent energy to let go of limiting beliefs. Especially ones that lower your vibration and undermine your personal power.

It might be tempting to abandon your efforts altogether and go back to what is known and comfortable. Those roadblocks may appear too big for us to overcome.

But they aren’t! Focus on your inner healing, self soothing, and building your imagination.

These things can help you navigate the tail-end of the lunar cycle. Give yourself grace, you’re exactly who you are meant to be at this exact moment.

Ask yourself–what habits (physical or mental) are bringing me down and holding me back? What do I need to do to break those habits?

Now is the time to surrender yourself to the energy of the Universe. Don’t give up on your intentions. The cycle may be “ending,” but your journey is only just beginning! And the Universe is there to support you.

Waning Crescent Moon Meaning

• Trust
• Surrender
• Break Habits
• Inner Healing
• Let Go of Limiting Beliefs
• Remember Why You Started
• Baby Steps

Moon Phase Meaning

Regardless of where we are currently within the cycle, it’s a perfect time to start working in tune with the moon’s energy. No need to wait for a particular phase to begin–begin tonight!

You’ll be absolutely amazed at how much you’ll be able to accomplish within one lunar cycle. Moon energy naturally ebbs and flows, as do we.

You probably already feel the energies of these moon cycles and act accordingly. Have you ever noticed that mid-month you tend to be really excited about any and exciting projects? Or perhaps you’ve noticed that the end of the month leaves you excited yet exhausted.

Aligning ourselves with the Moon can help us tap into a more intuitive lifestyle.

Consciously aligning your natural ebb and flow with the Moon’s is an easy, blissful, practical way to ensure every day is spiritually inspired!